Tony Pulis Making Moves He Warned Of As Forshaw Leaves For Leeds And Others Could Follow

Author:
smashley
January 19, 2018

Boro boss Tony Pulis has followed through on his intentions to trim his squad as midfielder Chris Forshaw was sold today for £4.5 million to Leeds United.

This comes after Pulis struck a deal a couple of days ago with MK Dons as they agreed to sign Middlesbrough’s 18 year old winger Marcus Tavernier on loan until the end of the season

Apparently Chris Forshaw signed a reported four-and-a-half year contract to move to Elland Road, and is in line to make his Leeds United debut in the Championship at Saturday’s game vs Millwall.

The midfielder made 34 appearances during Boro’s successful promotion campaign in the 2015-16 season when Aitor Karanka led the club into the Premier League. Forshaw was offered an opportunity to join Cardiff City, but chose Leeds as he feels he will get the opportunities he wants in West Yorkshire.

Forshaw was unable to prevent the Teessiders succumbing to relegation to the Championship last season despite making a number of starts in the first half of the season but after not getting game time under Garry Monk or under Pulis the player has decided to try his luck for Leeds United.

Young winger Adama Traore has made four appearances under Pulis but has yet to find the net under the new manager. Despite this it seems the new Boro boss likes the youngster but may have his resolve tested as West Ham United are seemingly very keen on the starlet as David Moyes looks to add to his attacking options at the London Stadium. It will be interesting to see whether Boro will let the potential of Traore leave the Riverside but ultimately it may come down to the money the Hammers are offering.

Adam Clayton could also follow Forshaw out the door as he has been linked with a reunion with former Boro boss Aitor Karanka at Nottingham Forest. It could be unwise to move on another central midfielder who knows the ropes of the Championship well following the sale of Forshaw to Leeds United. The loss of another experienced midfielder could be too much for Pulis to deal with so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out with Forest reportedly ready to make a £2million bid for Clayton to rejoin his former boss at the City ground .

Clayton is yet to start under Pulis making only substitute appearances against Sunderland and Fulham so far but you could think even these limited appearances suggest Pulis has a role for the 29 year old.